Yesterday, Dispatch, a Korean tabloid, released photos of the two stars on a date, and claimed that they have been secretly dating for four months.

SNSD’s management agency SM Entertainment also released a statement acknowledging their romance: “From a close relationship between senior and junior, they (Baekhyun and Taeyeon) have developed feelings for each other recently and started dating.”

After their romance was exposed, angry fans of Baekhyun voiced their displeasure, and even posted derogatory comments on Taeyeon’s Instagram, calling for her to get away from him.

Fans of both groups quickly got into a disagreement online, as each sought to protect their idols.

Taeyeon, 25, finally made a statement on Twitter at 11:30pm last night: “SONE (SNSD’s fan club), I’m sorry that you guys were shocked, hurt, and experienced unnecessary emotions today because of me. I really want to say sorry because my negligence has caused hurt to you, [I’m] really sorry!”

She also expressed that she could understand and accept fans’ current feelings. Meanwhile, Baekhyun, 22, has yet to make an official statement on this issue.